The producers for a new Christian movie, “Homerun,” were inspired by personal stories of recovery from addiction.

Because the message is powerful, the staff of the Greater Cleveland County Baptist has committed to pre-selling 1,000 tickets by opening weekend, April 19.

“I think this movie has a great story of hope and redemption for everyone,” said Katie Harris, Missions Team Leader. “Though the movie focuses on alcoholism, the entire story is about God’s redeeming love for us. It shows that no matter what we are going through or what we have done, God will forgive us and help us change our life.”

The producers are Tom Newman and Carol Mathews. Newman founded Impact Productions in 1982 with a vision to “reach the sight and sound generation” through innovative stage performances, 3D animation, documentaries, TV programs, and feature films. Impact Entertainment has produced numerous films, including the inspirational Christmas Child, which aired on Lifetime Television network, and co-produced the recent box office hit, “One Night with the King.” In 2006, Impact released the highly acclaimed, “End of the Spear.”

Mathews owns Current C Creative. When Newman came to her with an idea for a baseball movie, she suggested a story about recovery because of the Celebrate Recovery program at her church in Tulsa. She thought a movie based on a recovering addict would be a non-preachy way to do a film about God.

Harris found out about plans to promote the movie from one of the cast members, Dorian Brown, a Charlotte native whose family is from Shelby. Harris’ dad grew up with Brown’s dad and the families have kept in touch.

Brown plays Emma Hartgrove, who is devoted to her son, and has buried years of heartache and disappointment to protect him. Only one man, Cory Brand, can threaten the life she’s worked so hard to build, and now he’s back in town. Brand is played by Scott Elrod, who was recently in “Argo” with Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Alan Arkin and Scoot McNairy.

Harris has seen the movie and said the cast is talented and convincing.

“I think the most touching part of the movie is the way the actors and actresses bring you in and help you feel their raw emotions,” she said. “It’s a story that everyone can relate to because we all have sin in our lives that we struggle to overcome.”

Want to go?

“Homerun” opens April 19 at Carmike Cinema at Cleveland Mall. The Greater Cleveland County Baptist Association, 1175 Wyke Road, Shelby, will pre-sell tickets at the office starting Feb. 4. The tickets will be $10, and donations will also be accepted to purchase tickets for those who cannot afford them. The pre-sell tickets will be for opening weekend (April 19-21). The ticket vouchers will be exchanged for real movie tickets after they become available. The times of the showings will not be released until closer to time.

See the movie trailer at www.homerunthemovie.com.

For more information about purchasing ticket vouchers, email Katie Harris at katie@gccba.org or call 704-482-3472.